Prince William and Kate Middleton once again found themselves in the spotlight as they played a key role in welcoming US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to Windsor Castle. But it was Kate’s surprising decision not to curtsy to King Charles and Queen Camilla that has everyone talking.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were the first royals to greet the American couple when they arrived by helicopter on Wednesday. Cameras captured the moment as the two couples walked together toward King Charles and Queen Camilla for the official welcome.
According to reports, William and Kate’s prominent role was no coincidence. Since King Charles’ accession to the throne in 2022, the future king and queen have often taken the lead in welcoming world leaders and high-profile dignitaries before bringing them to the monarch.
Observers were quick to notice that Kate Middleton, who is usually seen dipping into a respectful curtsy during formal greetings, did not do so this time. The Princess of Wales has often been praised for her graceful adherence to tradition, making the break from protocol all the more noticeable.
However, royal insiders revealed that this was not a deliberate snub. Instead, the unusual order of events meant that William and Kate were already accompanying the king and queen before President Trump and the First Lady arrived. This left no traditional moment for Kate to perform her customary gesture.
It is worth noting that Kate had been seen curtsying to King Charles just one day earlier at the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent. That moment reinforced that she continues to follow protocol when appropriate, despite the speculation this latest visit sparked.
Traditionally, members of the royal family curtsy or bow when greeting the monarch after time apart, regardless of their closeness. Even senior royals like Kate Middleton, who sees King Charles frequently, maintain the custom as a sign of respect for the crown.
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But this particular event created an unusual setting. With the Trumps already watching and the Prince and Princess of Wales acting as hosts, protocol seemed to bend slightly for the sake of practicality. Still, eagle-eyed viewers took to social media to debate whether Kate’s absence of a curtsy was a minor oversight or a subtle message.
Some critics suggested it was a sign of the new confidence Kate Middleton has gained as Princess of Wales. In her role alongside Prince William, she is increasingly seen as a leader within the royal family, often standing shoulder to shoulder with the king and queen rather than simply following.
Others dismissed the chatter entirely, pointing out that Kate has an impeccable record when it comes to tradition. For them, the moment was nothing more than a logistical issue created by the unusual circumstances of the visit.
What cannot be denied is how seamlessly William and Kate have taken on their expanded responsibilities. Their presence alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla emphasized their growing role as the monarchy’s future. The visit highlighted the delicate balance between honoring tradition while also adapting to modern diplomatic occasions.
Royal watchers also noted how warmly the Princess of Wales interacted with Melania Trump, further showcasing Kate’s ability to charm international guests. As always, her poise, fashion, and body language became topics of global discussion.
For King Charles, the official welcome was another opportunity to demonstrate stability on the world stage, with William and Kate at his side. It was a reminder that the monarchy now represents not only continuity but also transition to a new era led by the younger royals.
While the curtsy debate will continue to circulate among royal enthusiasts, what is clear is that Kate Middleton remains central to the royal family’s public image. Whether following protocol or adapting in the moment the Princess of Wales has proven she can carry the weight of expectation with grace.
